🦃Chicago, Lobster, and Thanksgiving

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Good morning, Princeton. Did you know the United States first observed a nationwide Election Day in 1845? Congress chose the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November because it allowed citizens to travel to polling locations without interfering with market days or Sunday services. Today, Election Day has evolved with early voting options, but that Tuesday tradition remains strong for many voters across the country.

Here we go.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🏠Princeton Homes for Sale
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
💼Princeton Businesses
🤲Hands of Hope
🎳Bowling for Veterans
👷Princeton Job Opportunities
❤️Local Obituaries
🍿At the Apollo

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy Birthday, Jill Bullington!🎂

• PHS Football, ranked #4 in 3A with a record of 9-1, will face #12 Chicago King, currently 7-3, in a playoff game on Saturday, November 9, at 3:30 PM at Gately Stadium.

• On Election Day, the polls are open from 6:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. Voters who are not able to vote in person may qualify to vote absentee. For further information regarding absentee voting or any other aspects of the election process, contact the Bureau County Clerks Office at (815) 875-2014. Here’s how to register.

• The Princeton Veterans Group, American Legion Post 125 Auxiliary, and Daughters of the American Revolution will host a Veterans Day ceremony at Veterans Park. The event will take place on November 11th at 10:45 AM. Community members are encouraged to attend in honor of local veterans.

• City offices will be closed on November 11th in observance of Veterans Day, with Monday’s garbage collection rescheduled to November 12th. Tuesday routes will proceed as usual, and residents are reminded to place their garbage out early. The city honors all veterans and encourages the community to join in recognizing their service.

• The City of Princeton will remove summer and fall decorations from local cemeteries starting November 15th. Residents are encouraged to collect any decorations they wish to keep before this date. Winter decorations can be placed after November 15th.

• The Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce invites local businesses to the final Business After Hours event of 2024 on November 21, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Prouty-Zearing Community Building. The event includes networking, community announcements, refreshments, and a door prize giveaway.

• Bureau County Farm Bureau is running a winter clothing drive, accepting new or gently used hats, gloves, scarves, coats, boots, and socks for all ages to help local families in need. Donation boxes are available throughout the holiday season, with items distributed to community organizations.

• House for Rent: In Princeton – Three-bedroom ranch with basement, W/D hookup on the main floor, one-car attached garage. Small pet considered. Available early November. Rent: $950.00 per month. Phone: 815-875-1923 / 815-878-7793.

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🏠PRINCETON HOMES FOR SALE

• Located at 521 W Central Ave, this centrally positioned home offers a spacious living room that flows into the dining area and connects to the kitchen. The kitchen features a bright, white design with a stackable washer and dryer tucked in the corner. The upstairs includes three bedrooms and a full bath with a tub. The property includes a large yard and a 2+ car garage, providing ample space for outdoor activities and storage. Recent updates include tuckpointing on the chimney and siding wrapping. Listed at $105,000, it’s priced to sell. This home is a great place for anyone looking to settle in the heart of the community.

• The home at 13336 Lovers Lane Rd is listed at $399,999 after a recent price reduction. This 5-bedroom, 5-bath property spans 3,500 square feet on a spacious 5.47-acre lot, offering ample room and privacy. The home features two master suites, one located on the first level with a separate sitting area, fireplace, and French doors leading to a fenced backyard. The second level hosts three more bedrooms, tons of closet space, and balconies with beautiful views. Key highlights include a fully remodeled kitchen with quartz countertops, a formal dining room, and a cozy family room with a wood-burning fireplace. Additional amenities include a three-car garage, a partially finished basement with an area for entertaining, and a 30’ x 40’ red barn equipped for horses and additional storage. Perfectly positioned in a desirable area near essential amenities, this home combines country living with modern conveniences.

• Here’s an opportunity for affordable rural living at 23671 N 2300th Ave, Princeton, IL 61356, featuring a 2-bedroom, 1-bath home on 1.10 acres. This 975-square-foot property includes a spacious 40x56 heated shop with concrete floors, two overhead doors (each about 20 feet wide and 13 feet 6 inches tall), ideal for large vehicles like semis or tractors. The shop also has electric operators, loft storage, and great lighting, with an additional office space and half bath. Inside the home, an open floor plan connects the living room, kitchen, and dining areas, with room for renovations to enhance its potential. The property runs on a drilled well with a Kinetico water softener and looks south onto neighboring cornfields, providing a tranquil rural setting just 10 minutes from Princeton. Being sold “as is” as part of an estate, this property represents a compelling value in the local market.

🌤️PRINCETON WEATHER

⛈️Today: Rain with possible thunderstorms is expected, reaching a high of 71°F and winds from the south-southwest at 10-20 mph. Overnight, there will be considerable cloudiness with rain showers and a low of 55°F, with rain chances around 50%.

🌧️Tuesday: Morning showers with clearing in the afternoon, high near 67°F with winds from the west-northwest at 10-15 mph. Low of 39°F overnight, partly cloudy with light west winds.

🌤️Wednesday: Sunshine and clouds mixed, with a high around 57°F and west-northwest winds at 10-15 mph. Overnight will be partly cloudy with a low of 38°F, and winds will be from the northwest at 5-10 mph.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.35
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.36
Casey’s West/North: $3.39
Beck’s West/North: $3.39
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.39
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.39

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES

• Boek-el-ZOO is seeking volunteers to lead Children’s Time on Saturdays from 12 to 3 PM, with an urgent need for this Saturday. Volunteers can engage children with craft projects, read books aloud, or bring along critters to provide an interactive educational experience. All ages are welcome to participate, and other Saturdays remain available for those interested.

• Cousins Maine Lobster will be at the Princeton Walmart Supercenter on Wednesday, November 6, from 12:00 to 6:00 PM, offering fresh Maine lobster dishes. This event is open to the public, providing a unique opportunity to enjoy quality seafood locally.

• The MomCo of Bureau County is hosting a Thanksgiving Feast on Tuesday at 5:30 PM at 24 N Main St., Princeton. This community gathering encourages attendees to bring their favorite Thanksgiving dish to share and supports Operation Christmas Child.

• Painting Parties by Lucy presents a “Holiday Highland” Paint Night on Tuesday, November 5, at 6:00 PM at the Downtown Pub & Event Center. Participants can choose between an aqua or dark blue background for their canvas and enjoy a cash bar during the event.

• Little Blue Dress is celebrating its 17th anniversary with a Thank You Event on November 8-9, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Shoppers will enjoy 17% off almost everything and have a chance to win a $50 gift card.

• Play It Forward Counseling is seeking a licensed clinician to join their team. Interested candidates can find more information at playitforwardcounseling.com and submit resumes to [email protected]. This opportunity promotes healing through play-based therapy.

• Finders Keepers Resale Store is holding a quilt raffle with tickets priced at $1 each or six for $5. The winner will be drawn on November 23, and all proceeds will benefit Friends of Strays Animal Shelter. Participants can visit the store to purchase tickets and support this cause.

• A Second Chance Liquidation is preparing for the arrival of a semi-load of discounted baby supplies within the next two weeks. The sale aims to offer parents essential baby products at unbeatable prices. Shoppers are encouraged to follow their page for updates on when the truck arrives.

• House for Rent: In Princeton – Three-bedroom ranch with basement, W/D hookup on the main floor, one-car attached garage. Small pet considered. Available early November. Rent: $950.00 per month. Phone: 815-875-1923 / 815-878-7793.

• Princeton Public Library invites residents to experience a unique Wizard of Oz-themed escape room on Saturday, November 9, at 10:00 AM. Participants will go behind the scenes of a musical to help understudies become main characters, creating an immersive, theatrical challenge.

• Conxxus will host Princeton Sign Up Day on Thursday, November 7, from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM at the Prouty-Zearing Community Building. Residents can learn about Conxxus’ new fiber internet services, get answers to their questions, and enjoy a special offer of one month of free service with sign-up.

• Beetz Me! is hosting Retail Therapy on Tuesday, providing attendees an opportunity to kickstart holiday shopping with exclusive discounts and a complimentary glass of wine. Shoppers showing their “I Voted” sticker will enjoy an additional discount.

• The Princeton Bowling Association is holding a Raffle for Veterans event at Pin Splitter Lanes on Saturday, November 9, at 6:00 PM. Raffle tickets are available for $10, with proceeds supporting local veterans, and the drawing will take place at the lanes.

TWO ANGELS EVENTS

Pop Up Santa Mini

• Personalized Santa Visit: Enjoy a 10-minute private meeting with Santa.

• Photo Package: Receive two 5x7 printed photos (same pose) and one digital image as a keepsake.

• Additional Options: Purchase extra digital images or prints on-site.

• Magic Upgrade: Add a touch of enchantment with a magical edit delivered in a gallery in 1-2 days.

• Free Hot Chocolate: Warm up with one delicious complimentary hot chocolate.

• Holiday Crafts: Keep the kids entertained with festive crafts.

• Packages starting at $125

Family Christmas Portraits

• Cozy Christmas: Snuggle up in your pajamas and enjoy a festive atmosphere with our warm, inviting backdrop.

• Elegant Holiday: Dress to impress and create stunning portraits in front of our Farm Fresh Christmas Tree backdrop.

• Packages starting at $125

Santa’s Magical Adventure with Santa John (Original Santa for returning clients)

• One-on-one time with Santa: Your children will have the chance to chat with Santa, share their Christmas wishes, and receive a gift.

• Story time with Santa: Snuggle up with Santa and enjoy a heartwarming Christmas story together.

• Cookies: No Santa visit is complete without Mrs.Clauses delicious cookies.

• Beautiful, lasting images: Our experienced photographer will capture precious moments of your children's magical Santa experience.

• More than just photos, it's a tradition!

• 30 minutes —$325

🎳BOWLING FOR VETERANS

Join us on November 9th at Pin Splitters Lane for a fun-filled day of bowling to support our veterans. There will be three shifts: 1st Shift at 1:00 PM, 2nd Shift at 3:30 PM, and 3rd Shift at 6:00 PM. The event will feature a 9 Pin No Tap format, and participants are invited to form their own teams of four. A silent auction will also take place throughout the event. The registration fee is $20 per person. All donations—cash or items—are welcome and appreciated. If you wish to donate, please reach out to any board members. Let’s come together to show our support for our veterans! For more information, contact Randy Allen at 815-878-5781 or Anna Flaig at 815-878-3521.

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🤲HANDS OF HOPE

Hands of Hope Ugandan Ministry (HOHUM) is currently doing a fundraiser to work towards getting a van for our school over in Uganda. Transportation is difficult/expensive and walking can be dangerous as well as hazardous to their health with the dusty roads. Unfortunately, a couple of our students have had to drop out because of lack of transportation.

This fundraiser is super simple and free. All people have to do is sign into this link and review/survey popular brands they are familiar with.

Choose Hands of Hope from the Dropbox, fill in your information and start surveys. This is a current fundraiser happening right now and goes through November 19th.

👷‍♂️PRINCETON JOB OPPORTUNITIES

• The Team Member position at Tractor Supply Company in Princeton involves various retail responsibilities, including customer service and operational tasks. Essential duties include maintaining attendance, working varied shifts, supporting sales by engaging with customers, and handling products through recovery, organization, and assembly. Team Members must operate registers, handle freight, perform janitorial duties, and execute markdowns, with additional equipment operation for employees over 18. Preferred skills include basic computer knowledge, effective communication, problem-solving, and experience with farming, ranching, or welding. Working conditions are favorable, typically indoors with moderate noise, though tasks may involve hard floor surfaces. Shifts vary by store, emphasizing flexibility and adaptability in meeting customer needs.

• The Scheduling Coordinator position at Corteva Agriscience involves maintaining inventory accuracy, handling R3 (SAP) transactions, and managing daily logistics. Key responsibilities include coordinating with production teams to resolve inventory discrepancies, running regular inventory reports, and providing guidance on material usage for effective inventory management. The role requires problem-solving skills to address root causes of inventory issues and upholding high-quality standards in safety and operational discipline. This position offers benefits like health insurance, paid time off, parental leave, and tuition reimbursement. It includes variable shifts, with some work required on weekends and overtime as needed. Corteva seeks candidates who are proactive, hardworking, and eager to contribute to a team focused on innovation in agriculture.

• The Bakery Department Manager position at Sullivan’s Foods is a full-time role responsible for managing bakery operations within the store. Sullivan’s Foods is part of the Coborn’s, Inc. family, an employee-owned grocery retailer in the Midwest. The company operates various grocery stores, liquor stores, and additional retail outlets, offering a wide array of services. The Bakery Department Manager will oversee product preparation, quality control, and customer satisfaction, ensuring the bakery meets company standards. Benefits include 401(k) matching, health and dental insurance, disability insurance, caregiver leave, and employee discounts. This role is ideal for a friendly and dependable individual who enjoys working with guests and contributing to a team environment.

🎳BOWLING FOR VETERANS

Join us on November 9th at Pin Splitters Lane for a fun-filled day of bowling to support our veterans. There will be three shifts: 1st Shift at 1:00 PM, 2nd Shift at 3:30 PM, and 3rd Shift at 6:00 PM. The event will feature a 9 Pin No Tap format, and participants are invited to form their own teams of four. A silent auction will also take place throughout the event. The registration fee is $20 per person. All donations—cash or items—are welcome and appreciated. If you wish to donate, please reach out to any board members. Let’s come together to show our support for our veterans! For more information, contact Randy Allen at 815-878-5781 or Anna Flaig at 815-878-3521.

🍿AT THE APOLLO

Venom: The Last Dance (PG-13)

• The latest installment in the Venom series, following Eddie Brock as he faces new challenges with his symbiotic alter-ego.

• Showtimes: Tuesday to Thursday: 6:00 PM

We Live in Time (R)

• A drama that explores the complexity of love and the choices that shape our lives.

• Showtimes: Tuesday to Thursday: 6:15 PM

Tickets are available at apolloprinceton.com or at the box office.

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